Caleb Daniel Nominated for Round Four AFL Rising Star

Former Panther Caleb Daniel is a Rising Star!

South Adelaide draftee Caleb Daniel has had his outstanding early-season AFL form recognised with the Round 4 AFL Rising Star Nomination.

Selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick No.46 in the 2014 AFL National Draft, Daniel has averaged 22 disposals across the first four matches of 2016.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 19-year-old admitted he still had to work on his disposal efficiency despite collecting 29 possessions in Round 3 and 23 in the win against Carlton on Saturday.

Originally from the Edwardstown Football Club, Daniel is one of several former ''Towns'' to play at AFL level, joining the Hartlett brothers Adam and Hamish, Danyle Pearce and Jordan Russell.

After racking up in excess of 100 junior games for Edwardstown, Daniel started his career with the Panthers at Under-13 level before making his IGA League debut as a 16-year-old in Round 11, 2013.

Daniel paid tribute to the faith showed in him by everyone involved at Noarlunga, saving special praise for League coach Brad Gotch.

Measuring in at just 168cm and 68kg, Daniel said playing in South's 2014 finals campaign which resulted in a Preliminary Final berth had primed him to step straight in at AFL level.

"Caleb's work rate and willingness to learn have seen him become an important part of our group in his first two seasons at the club," Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"We are really pleased for him to receive this nomination, and I have no doubt he will play a big part in the club's future."

An All-Australian Under-18 in 2014, Daniel played an integral role in South Australia claiming its second successive crown at the AFL Under-18 National Championships under the guidance of SANFL High Performance Manager Brenton Phillips.